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No further information would be available until next-of-kin had been notified and the matter had been referred to the coroner.

A fire communications spokesperson said they had limited information, but confirmed the brigade were asked to attend the Franklin Zoo in Ridge Road to assist where a person had been attacked by an elephant.

"Upon arrival, the elephant had been secured and paramedics were working with the patient who had gone fatal. They've returned to their station," they said.

The Fire Service were called just after 4.30pm and stayed at the scene for up to 40 minutes. Ambulance Communications relief team manager Louis Rapihana told TV3 ambulance staff were called around the same time.

"A person was attacked by one of the animals, by an elephant,'' he said.